Turbine mounting



June 22, 1948. J. l.. RAY

TURBINE MOUNTING 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 14, 194:5

June 22, 1948.

Filed Aug. 14, 1'943 J. L. RAY

TURBINE MOUNTING 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 um" l llllll J 55) u ummm mul Patented June 22, 1948 I TURBmE MOUNTING James L. Ray, Elm Grove, Wis.,rassignor to Allis- Chalmers Manufacturing Company, Milwaukee, Wis., a corporation of Delaware Application August 14, 1943, Serial No. 498,717

8 Claims.

This invention relates to high temperature elastic fluid turbines and its primary object is to provide in a support for such turbines means correlatable to effect substantially the same longitudinal expansion for both the spindle and casing, thereby eliminating the necessity of axially adjusting the spindle relative to the casing each time the turbine is placed in operation in order to maintain the clearance between stationary and moving parts within predetermined limits.

Another object of this invention is to provide in a support for such turbines means operative to maintain the rate of longitudinal expansion for both the spindle and casing and the clearance between the stationary and moving parts substantiallyequal and uniform, respectively, at all times irrespective of the rapidity and extent of load change.

In accordance with this invention, one or more of the above stated objects may be accomplished in whole or in part in any high temperature turbine structure simply by embodying therein combinations of two or more of the following features: (1) supports mounting axially spaced end portions of the spindle and casing elements with the portions of the elements at one end of the turbine immovable axially and with the portions of the elements at the other end of the turbine substantially free for independent axial movement as the spindle and casing elements expand and contract longitudinally relative to their immovable portions, (2) means for detecting any appreciable difference in the extent to which the free end portions of the spindle and casing elements move axially, (3) means for varying the axial distance between the immovable and free end portions of the spindle and/or casing element an amount commensurate with the detected difference in axial movement, and (4) means responsive to a relative axial movement of adjacent free end portions of the spindle and casing for relatively bodily moving said elements in a manner substantially equalizing the rate at which said free end portions move axially.

The invention accordingly consists of various details of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangements of parts as is more fully set forth in the detailed description and appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a turbine structure embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a partial section taken on line II-II of Fig. 1;

2 Fig. 3 is an enlarged view taken on line III- III of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view taken on line IV-IV 0f Fig'. 2;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 illustrating a relative axial displacement of the spindle and casing;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged front elevation of the left-hand casing support shown in Fig. 1 with parts broken away to better show the construction;

Fig. 'l is a partial section taken on line VII-VII of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a section taken on line VIII-VIII of Fig. 1;

Fig. 9 is a section taken on line IX-IX of Fig. 8;

seen that a turbine structure embodying the invention may include a spindle I having shaft portions 2 and 3 rotatably supported in bearings 4 and 8 with the portion 2 provided with a collar 1 rendering said portion immovable axially relative to the bearing 4 and with the portion 3 substantially free to slide axially in bearingA 6 as the spindle expands and contracts longitudinally relative to its iixed end or shaft portionZ, a casing 8 surrounding the blade carrying portion of spindle I, a pair of identical supports 9 which are ilxedly connected with opposite side portions of casing 8 adjacent the bearing 4 and which include an axially displaceable connector I0 for selectively varying the axial distance from the opposite end of the casing to its points of connection with the supports 9, a pair of identical supports II slidably mounting the opposite end of the casing 8 for substantially free axial movement as the casing expands and contracts longitudinally relative to its points of fixed connection with the supports 9, and means comprising a light projecting tube I2 and a sight tube I3 for detecting any appreciable dierence in the extent to which adjacent free end portions of the spindle and casing move axially as they expand and contract longitudinally.

Referring particularly to Figs. 6 and 7, it is seen that each of the supports 9 may include a pedestal structure I4 comprising a base portion I6 adapted to be bolted or otherwise rmly secured to a suitable foundation or other structure (not shown), a relatively long and narrow top portion embodying an approximately coextensive central raised portion or track I8 and upwardly extending apertured end ilanges I9 which are spaced a slight distance from the adjacent ends of said track, and a relatively long and narrow block 2| which is slidably'mounted on track I8 for movement longitudinally thereof by means of a c oextensive track receiving recess 22 in its bottom surface. Track I3 is provided with a alined series of longitudinally spaced internal] threaded apertures 23 and block 2| is also provided with a series of similarly arranged larger apertures 24. In addition, the top surface of block 2| is provided with a series of transversely extending longitudinally spaced keyway forming slots 26 which intersect opposite side portions of the apertures 24. Opposite side portions of the casing 8 are provided with a laterally extending ange or projection 21 which is in turn provided with a series of apertures 23 and with a series of keyway forming slots 2S which are similar in size and arrangement to the Vapertures 2li and the slots 26, respectively, in the block 2|. Flanges Il are provided with tap bolts 2n and lock nuts 25 for positioning and retaining block 2| with its apertures 24 and keyway forming slots 26 in substantial alinement with the apertures 23 and 28 and the slots 2B in the track i8 and projection 2l. When this relation has once been established, block 2| may be more iirmly secured against longitudinal movement by boring and inserting a pin or-key member 3| as shown.

The casing ange or projection 27 is spaced.

from and supported on block member 2| by means of a single key member or connector i which snugly lits into any of the keywaysiormed by alined pairs of the slots and 29, thereby providing the sole supporting connection between the casing projection 2l and the pedestalstructure iii. Key member il! may be held in its inserted position by means of a notch 33 in the top side thereof, a cylindrical collar 3B having a flange 36 disposed in said notch and a tap bolt 3i' which extends through and securely clamps collar 3d against the casing projection 2l. Upward movement of casing projection 2l relative to the pedestal structure I4 is prevented by washers 3e and stud bolts 39 which extend through the washers 38 and the alined apertures 28 and 24 in projee-tion 2l and block 2| and into the internally threaded apertures 23 in the track I8 as is clearly shown in Fig. 6. Stud bolts 38 also function to securely clamp the key l0' between the casing projection 2 and block 2|. Stud bolts 38 have an intermediate portion 4| of less diameter than the distance between adjacent keyways in order to permit insertion of the key 32 in any selected one of the keyways after the structure has once been assembled and contiguous portions 42 and 43 oi less diameter than the walls of apertures 23 and 2i in order to permit a relative longitudinal adjustment of block 2| and alinement of the keyway forming slots 26 and 29.

in the initial assembly of this structure, the casing is blocked or jacketed to place the projections 21 in substantially the position shown relative to the pedestal structure 4 whereupon the block 2| is adjusted longitudinally to effect exact alinement of the keyway forming slots 26 and 29 whereupon the key I0 is inserted in a selected keyway, the washers placed on the stud bolts 39, the nuts tightened thereon to clamp the key between the projection 21 and lblock 2|, and the key secured in position 'by means of collar 34 and tap bolt 31 whereupon the blocks or Jacks can be refor vertical adjustment in recesses @t and moved. thereby leaving the casing supported on the pedestal structure I4 solely by means of a pair of keys I. When it is desired to insert key Il! in adiilerent keyway, all that has tobe done isto loosen the nuts on stud bolts 29, insert a wedge in one o! the remaining keyways, andremove the key locking collar 34 and tap bolt 31 whereupon the key can be readily withdrawn and inserted and secured in av different keyway,'the wedge removed and the nuts on stud bolts 39 again tightened to complete the operation.

Each oi the casing supports il, attention being ldirected to Figs. 8 and 9, may include a pedestal structure 44 comprising a base portion 4% adapted to be bolted or otherwise secured to a suitable foundation or other structure (not shown), an apertured top portion di embodying therein a parl t8 and a stud bolt 49, and a ver tically extending rigid rod 5i which exi-.ends

through and is or less diameter than the aperture in top portion 41 and has its lower end p0rtion mounted for tilting movement on springs t2 conned in a casing 53 disposed in the base por tion iid. The upper end of rod El extends slightly" beyond the top surface ci the pad tid in'top portion 4l and presents a spherical end surface Elfi. Opposite side portions of the casing t are pro vided with a laterally extending flange or projection -li which is in turn provided in its bottom surface with a pad l presenting a concave seat 58 engaging'the spherical end surface dei on rod 5|, with a pad 5S slidably engaging the top surface or pad i8 in top portion 4i and with a stud bolt receiving aperture el of `greater diameter than stud bolt Lid, Pads El! and B9 are mounted respectively, by means of tap bolts dei and and lock nuts El! and ed, respectively, in order to permit a selected distribution of the loads carried thereby. lreerabiy the adjustment is auch that the major portion of the load is supported on rod 5| and springs which reduces the friction between pads de and be and thereby the resistance to an axial movement of the casing relative to the supports il.

The structure thus far described embodies supports mounting axially spaced portions of the spindle and casing elements with the portions oi the elements adlaeent one end of the turbine immovable axially and with the portions of the elements adjacent the other end of the turbine free for independent axial movement as the elements expand ,and contract longitudinally relative to their immovable portions and in addition, means for varying the relative lengths of the free end portions oi the elements, that is, the length of the portion which is free .to expand and contract longitudinally relative to its axially xed or irnmovable portions. In other words, the axially immovable or fixed portion of at least one of the elements can be shifted axially relative to its free end and relative 'to the other element, thus varying the length of the portion which. is free to expand and contract longitudinally and thereby the ultimate extent to which the free end of the element or a selected portion adjacent its free end is moved axially in response to such expension and contraction.

In order to ascertain the direction and the extent of which the point of fixed connection between an element and its support should be shifted axially relatively to its free end portion, it is necessary to provide some meansfor detecting any appreciable ultimate axial displacement of adjacent i'ree end portions ci the elements. ln

this connection. attention is directed particularly to Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 5 which illustrate the manner in which a light tube I2 and a sight tube i8 can be combined to indicate any such displacement. Casing 8 is provided with an apertured boss 88 in which tubes I2 and I3 are mounted in such angular relation that their longitudinal axes intersect at a point substantially on the shroud ring 1l of -a spindle blade row l2. The interior of 'casing d has mounted thereon :for movement therewith a ring element or member 18 which is interposed between shroud ring 1| and the inner ends of the tubes I2 and I3 and which has therein as best shown in Fig. 3 a rectangular aperture 'I4 alined with tube I2 and an observation aperture 16 alined with tube I3. The light emitted from tube I2 will pass through aperture 14 and project on a circumferential portion of shroud ring 1I a lighted area 11 having the same conguration as aperture 14 as is clearly shown in Fig. 4 in which the stippled surrounding area represents deep shadow. This lighted area can be readily observed at any time simply by sighting through tube I3 and the alined aperture 16, and what will be seen, assuming that the motive iiuid is a gas of the type employed in continuous combustion gas turbines and that there has been no relative axial displacement of these opposed free end portions of the spindle and easing, is exactly what is shown in Fig. 4. In this connection, the axial width of the circumferentially spaced end portions of aperture 14 are preferably dimensioned to produce a lighted area having end portions exactly equal in width to the width of the shroud ring 1| as shown in Fig. 4 so that any appreciable axial displacement of the opposed portions of the spindle and casing can be readily detected as indicated in Fig. 5 which illustrates what is seen when the casing expands axially to a greater degree or extent than does the spindle; the difference in axial expansion or movement being indicated by the distance S. If the spindle expanded axially more than the casing, the displacement of the shroud ring relative to the lighted area would be just the opposite of that shown in Fig. 5. In any event, an observed displacement of the shroud ring relative to the lighted area indicates the' direction and the extent to which the relative lengths of the free end portions of the elements must be changed in order to eliminate such a displacement.

For example, if with the construction shown .in Figs. 1, 2, 6, '7, 8 and 9, the observed displacement is that shown in Fig. `5, the keys I0 in supports 9 would have to be withdrawn and reinserted as previously described in one of the keyways to the right of that shown, the turbine again placed in operation and observations again taken. If no axial displacement was observed, nothing further would have to be done, but if the condition was over or under corrected, the above procedure would be repeated. However, instead of proceeding as just outlined, the actual displacement could be accurately measured and knowing the coeiiicient of expansion for the casing, the key I8 could then be shifted into a kel'- way which would change the distance between I the key and the point of observation suiciently to substantially eliminate the observed axial displacement. In this connection, it is preferable to connect the supports 9 to a highly heated portion of the casing in order to avoid a relatively large axial shifting of the point of xed connection with said supports in order to eliminate the 6 aforementioned axial displacement of adjacent free end portions of the spindle and casing.

The construction and procedure hereinbefore described eliminates an ultimate axial displacement of adjacent free end portions of the spindle and casing, but it does not necessarily eliminate a relative axial movement of said portions of the spindle and casing during extreme and rapid changes in load since due to differences in the mass and configuration of the spindle and casing elements, that which heats and cools the more rapidly will expand and contract at a greater rate. Consequently, although the ultimate expansion may be made the same for both elements, as previously described, the rate of expansion may be suiilclently diilerent to produce a relative axial movement between adjacent free end portions of the elements and thereby either too much clearance for best eiliciency or a rubbing and damaging contact between rotating and stationary parts.

In this connection, attention is directed to the modied construction shown in Fig. 10 which embodies means for eliminating both a relative axial movement and an ultimate axial displacement between A`adjacent opposed free-end portions of a turbine spindle and casing. In this modification, the turbine structure also embodies spindle shaft portions 18 and 19 rotatably supported in bearings 8l and 82 with the portion 18 provided with a collar 83 rendering same immovable axially relative to the bearing 8| and with the portion 19 substantially free to slide axially in bearing 82 as the spindle expandsV and contract longitudinally relative to its xed end or shaft portion 18. However, the opposite end portions of theA surrounding casing 84 are slidably mounted on pairs of identical supports 85 (only one support of each pair is shown in the interest of simplicity) which may be of any suitable form such for example as that shown in Figs. 8 and 9. The end'of the casing adjacent the bearing 'i8 is connected with an axially spaced ixed support 89 by a rigid hollow meniber or strut 81 which may be provided with heat radiating fins 88 and controllably supplied with heated uid from any suitable source, such as the turbine inlet pipe 89, by means oi pipe 9i including a iiexible portion 92, a valve 93 which is flxcdly mounted on the end portion of the casing embodying a device 94 for detecting any appreciable relative axial movement of the juxtapositioned casing and spindle parts, a pipe 95 which is connected with one end of member di and includes a flexible portion 91, and a pipe 98 connecting the opposite end of member 91 with the turbine exhaust pipe 99 or any other suitable point of low pressure. Consequently, when valve 93 is open, heated motive iiuid ows through the hollow member 81 and causes the member 81 to expand longitudinally relative to the fixed support 86 and thus slide the casing 84 axially on the supports 85. The extent to which the member 81 expands longitudinally depends upon the quantity and the temperature of the iiuid flowing therethrough, and since the quantity of fluid can be controlled by manipulation of valve 93, the length of the member 81 can be selectively varied. For example, if with the parts as shown in Fig. 10 the valve 93 is assumed to be in a partially open position, a further opening of the valve will increase the temperature and thereby the length of member 81, thus bodily moving'the 4casing 84 toward the left from its shown position while a closing movement ofthe of the casing, said one end portion of the casing and fixed member presenting anaxially extending series of pairs of opposed parts adapted to be xedly united, and comprising means positionable for flxedly supportingly uniting any selected pair of said parts, and an additional means mounting the other end portion of said casing for axial movement relative to at least a portion of said additional means as the casing expands and contracts longitudinally in response to changes in temperature.

3. In combination in a turbine apparatus embodying a spindle and a' casing therefor, means rotatably supporting axially spaced portions of said spindle with one oi. said portions immovable axially relative to its support and with the other of said portions substantially free to move axially relative to its support as the spindle expands and contracts longitudinally in response to changes in temperature, means supporting the portion of the casing adjacent said axially immovable portion of the spindle, a lxed structure axially spaced from said adjacent portion of the casing, a member connecting said adjacent portion of the casing with said iixed structure, means mounting the portion of the casing adjacent said axially movable portion of the spindle for axial movement relative to at least a portion of its supporting means asthe casing expands and contracts longitudinally in response to changes in temperature, and means including a control responsive to a relative axial movement of adjacent free end por` tions of the spindle and casing for varying the temperature and thereby the axial length of said member suiiiciently to bodily move said casing in a direction substantially equalizing the rate at which adjacent free end portions of the spindle and casing move axially.

4. In combination in a turbine apparatus embodying a spindle and a casing therefor, means rotatably supporting axially spaced portions of said spindle with one of said portions immovable axially relative to its support and with the other of said portions substantially free to move axially relative to its support as the spindle expands and contracts longitudinally in response to changes in temperature, means supporting the portion of the casing adjacent said axially immovable portion of the spindle, a fixed structure axially spaced from said adjacent portion of the casing, a member connecting the adjacent end of said casing with said fixed structure, means mounting the portion of the casing adjacent said axially movable portion of the spindle for axial movement relative to at least a portion oi its supporting means as the casing expands and contract-s longitudinally in response to changes in temperature, and means forvarying the axial length of said member suiciently to bodily move said casing in a direction substantially equalizing the rate at which adjacent free end portions of the spindle and casing move axially.

5. In combination in a turbine apparatus embodying a spindle and a casing therefor, means rotatably supporting axially spaced portions of said spindle with one of said portions immovable axially relative to its support and with the other of said portions substantially free to move axially relative to its support as the -spindle expands and contracts longitudinally in response to changes in temperature, means supporting the portion of the casing adjacent said axially immovable portion of.

the spindle, a fixed structure axially spaced from said adjacent portion of the casing, a member connecting said adjacent portion of the casing 1o with said nxed structure and including an adjustable element axially shiftable relative to said member and relative tosaid adjacent portion of the casing for selectively flxedly uniting diierent of adjacent free end portions of the spindle and casing for varying the temperature and thereby the axial length of said member suiciently to bodily move said casing in a direction substantially equalizing the' rate at which adjacent free end portions of the spindle and casing move axially.

6. Turbine apparatus comprising: a spindle element; a casing element for said spindle element; a pair of spindle supports for rotatably supporting said spindle element at axially spaced general planes transverse to the axis of said spindle, one of said spindle supports having associated therewith means for holding said spindle against axial movement with respect to said spindle support and the other of said spindle supports mounting said spindle-for substantially free axial movement as said spindle expands and contracts in response said spindle supports at axially spaced general planes transverse to the axis of said casing element, one of said casing supports having associated therewith means for holding said casing against axial movement with respect to said casing support and the other of said casing supports mounting said casing for substantially free axial movement as said casing expands and contracts in response to temperature changes thereof; said means for holding said spindle element against axial movement with respect to its associated support and said means for holding said casing element against axial movement with respect to its associated support being structurally separate from and structurally independent of each other; and one of said supports with its associated means which is adapted to hold its respective element against axial movement with respect to its associated support constituting means for adjustably changing in an axial direction the transverse general plane at which said respective element is supported and held against axial movement, such adjustment leaving unchanged the transverse general plane at which the other of said elements is supported and held against axial movement by reason oi the aforesaid structural separateness and independence of the respective holding means for said elements.

7. Turbine apparatus comprising: a spindle element; a casing element for said spindle element; a pair of spindle supports for rotatably supporting said spindle element at axially spaced general planes transverse to the axis oi' said spindle, one of said spindle supports having associated therewith means for holding said spindle against axial movement with respect to said spindle support and the other of said spindle supports mounting said spindle for substantially `free axial movement as said spindle expands and contracts in response to temperature changes thereof; a pair of casing supports for said casing element separate from said spindle supports at axially spaced general planes transverse to the axis of said casing element, one of said casing supports having associated therewith means for holding said casing against axial movement with respect to said casing support and the other of said casing supports mounting said casing for substantially free axial movement as said casing expands and contracts in response to temperature changes thereof; said means for holding said spindle element against axial movement with respect to its associated support and said means Vi'or holding said casing element against axial movement with respect to its associated support being structurally separate from and structurally independent oi' each other; and one of said supports with its associated means which is adapted to hold its respective element against axial movement with respect to its associated support comprising a separately bodily movable member shiftable axially. and constituting means for adjustably changing in an axial direction, in accordance with the position of said member, the transverse general plane at which said respective element is supported and held against axial movement, such adjustment leaving unchanged the transverse general plane at which the other of said elements is supported and held against axial movement by rea-son of the aforesaid structural separateness and independence of the respective holding means for said elements.

8. Turbine apparatus comprising: a spindle element: a casing element for said spindle element; a pair of spindle supports for rotatably supporting said,` spindle element at axially spaced general planes transverse to the axis of said spindle, one of said spindle supports having associated therewith means for holding said spindle against axial movement with respectto said spindle support and the other of said spindle supports mounting said spindle for substantially free axial movement as said spindle expands and contracts in response to temperature changes thereof; a pair of casing supports for said casing element separate from said spindle supports at axially spaced general planes transverse to the axis of said casing element, one of said casing supports having associated therewith means for holding said casing against axial movement with respect to said casing support and the other o1' said casing supports mounting said casing for substantially free axial movement as said casing expands and contracts in response to temperature changes thereof; said means for holding said spindle element against axial movement with respect to its associated support and said means for holding said casing element against axial movement with respect to its associated support being structurally separate from and structurally independent of each other; and one of said supports with its associated means which is adapted to hold its respective element against axial movement with respect to its associated support comprising a heatable member and separate means for supplying heat thereto and constituting means for adjustably changing in an axial direction, in response to change in temperature of said member, the transverse general plane at which said respective element is supported and held against axial movement, such adjustment leaving unchanged the transverse general plane at which the other of said elements is supported and heid against axial movement by reason of the aforesaid structural separateness and independence of the respective holding means for said elements.

JAMES L. RAY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

